Scope My (Planned) Setup!

[devastating]

Hello! Semi-newbie here.

Haven't put a single seed in the ground yet, but I spent pretty much the last 3 months stuck inside reading and writing down what I've learned. (So feel free to throw jargon at me!). I'm hoping that all the pre-work I've been doing will pay off for setting up an easy & consistent grow that doesn't have me emptying my bank for useless products.

Goals: 3-4 plants, 4x4, 200+ g's (or maybe 2-3 in a 3x3, read more below)

Here's what I'm still debating:

Seeds -- Go big or go home? Really intrigued by some of these high thc med breeders like JinxProof and Anesia seeds. Would these be bad for my first setup? Additionally, if I packed my space with autos, would I fare better consistency wise than with 4 photos?

Medium -- Canna-Coco or fox farm?

Lights -- Trying to spend around 200-250$. So, I am leaning towards 600w mh/hps. Do y'all suggest sourcing parts or just throwing for a full kit? For either answer, what is a good online source these days? I'm finding some brands like vivosun and hydrocrunch, but they seem sketchy for the consistency I'm trying to achieve.
The appeal of LEDs is there for me, but price and confusing tech is keeping me back. I am interested in diy boards (from places like alibaba) but am very put off by building heat-sink setups etc. (Unless someone knows a more simple diy process). For supplemental lighting, what are some good, relatively cheap brands?
Also had my eye on this site: https://www.growlights.ca/growlights/grow-light-kits.html

Size -- I like the roominess of a 4x4, but if it won't suit my light budget, then maybe 3x3. What're your thoughts?

Nutes/amendments -- My local store has TONS of products. Particularly interested in their GH and Heavy16 stuff. But also been looking at MaxiSeries and CannaBoost. The A/B sometimes confuses me. Clarity on what combo of products, and sub-products, are best out of these companies (or others y'all suggest) would help me out a ton. Should I put in worm castings and perlite to the start medium? And when is the best time to start adding calmag and/or epsom salt ?

Feeding schedule -- So much info out there! Any good summarised version detailing veg & flower schedules week by week? I plan to add bat guano and seaweed extract, but not sure when and how frequently.

Bottom line: I understand the general rule that mo'money=mo'weed (generally), but cheaper is better for me, not going for cup winners! More looking at consistent and easy to obtain materials.

If you read all this, thank you! If you can help me with any of these questions, thanks x10!
Let's hope my first grow isn't... devastating

 

[Apalchen]

For your budget you need to source a used setup or atleast some of the components. Just make sure to clean everything really well and buy new bulbs.

Your cheapest best producing setup would be a 600 or 1000 watt hps. The 600 is easier to cool but you can cool a 1000 if the room your tent in has central air or a window unit. Most digital 1000 watt ballast are dimmable anyways. You will also need a 6 or 8 inch inline fan. For ease of controlling temps I'd buy a used air cooled hood.

Unless you find a used package deal I'd just buy a new tent from Amazon vivosun make really nice tents, you wouldn't think it from the price and the older ones were just alright but I recently bought a 5x5 for temporary use when I first moved and it was really nice, seemed thicker and more durable material than the old ones I had, but I never had any issues out of them either other than with constant negative pressure for three years they got a lil floppy. But still worked and I still clone in one, a small one that's going on 4 years old. There tents were fairly cheap I think most sizes are like 100 bucks.
(The 5x5 seems huge if you got room for it it'd be a great tent that you won't have the urge to upgrade from so soon like many of us do when we buy smaller setups)

Another thing that's important you buy new is a carbon filter cause even just a few plants can have your house smelling clear out at the street. I like the Can brand 33 or 66filter but that might be out of budget. I hear phresh and phat filters are good. Not all filters are as good as others be sure to read reviews on them. Also you could cheap filter if your in a detached house with large yard in a legal state.

A strong inline fan is a must that many new growers don't realize and then end up having to go buy. Don't just buy a duct booster fan they are not powerful enough.

You also need a clip fan made for tents or the best other option is the fans you see for houses that sit in the floor but look like a big cylinder and the top 3/4 of oscillates back and forth, they take up less grow space that a regular oscillating floor fan with the big cage on em.

You don't have money for water meters to measure pH or ppm all the time so I recommend organic soil. Which soil depends on where ya live and I'm not the best to make that recommendation as I suck at growing in soil, but it's supposed to be easy to figure out, I just prefer coco or hydro but upfront cost is more.

 

[TintEastwood]

Consider your temp and humidity management.

Ambient temp/RH around the tent. Intake air temp/rh.
Where to route exhaust.

I would want the 4x4.
For 3x3 footprint in the 4x4, a 315w CMH is another lighting option. Knowing you can always add more lighting.

 

[F80M4]

If you can get green planet they have some really good nutes. I switched from AN to GP. Just run CO2. You wouldn't need an intake.

 

[devastating]

For your budget you need to source a used setup or atleast some of the components. Just make sure to clean everything really well and buy new bulbs.

Your cheapest best producing setup would be a 600 or 1000 watt hps. The 600 is easier to cool but you can cool a 1000 if the room your tent in has central air or a window unit. Most digital 1000 watt ballast are dimmable anyways. You will also need a 6 or 8 inch inline fan. For ease of controlling temps I'd buy a used air cooled hood.

Unless you find a used package deal I'd just buy a new tent from Amazon vivosun make really nice tents, you wouldn't think it from the price and the older ones were just alright but I recently bought a 5x5 for temporary use when I first moved and it was really nice, seemed thicker and more durable material than the old ones I had, but I never had any issues out of them either other than with constant negative pressure for three years they got a lil floppy. But still worked and I still clone in one, a small one that's going on 4 years old. There tents were fairly cheap I think most sizes are like 100 bucks.
(The 5x5 seems huge if you got room for it it'd be a great tent that you won't have the urge to upgrade from so soon like many of us do when we buy smaller setups)

Another thing that's important you buy new is a carbon filter cause even just a few plants can have your house smelling clear out at the street. I like the Can brand 33 or 66filter but that might be out of budget. I hear phresh and phat filters are good. Not all filters are as good as others be sure to read reviews on them. Also you could cheap filter if your in a detached house with large yard in a legal state.

A strong inline fan is a must that many new growers don't realize and then end up having to go buy. Don't just buy a duct booster fan they are not powerful enough.

You also need a clip fan made for tents or the best other option is the fans you see for houses that sit in the floor but look like a big cylinder and the top 3/4 of oscillates back and forth, they take up less grow space that a regular oscillating floor fan with the big cage on em.

You don't have money for water meters to measure pH or ppm all the time so I recommend organic soil. Which soil depends on where ya live and I'm not the best to make that recommendation as I suck at growing in soil, but it's supposed to be easy to figure out, I just prefer coco or hydro but upfront cost is more.

Lovely, cheers!

 

[devastating]

Consider your temp and humidity management.

Ambient temp/RH around the tent. Intake air temp/rh.
Where to route exhaust.

I would want the 4x4.
For 3x3 footprint in the 4x4, a 315w CMH is another lighting option. Knowing you can always add more lighting.

I think CMH is the conclusion I’ve come to over the last couple days. Thanks!

 

[Renfro]

Nutes/amendments -- My local store has TONS of products. Particularly interested in their GH and Heavy16 stuff. But also been looking at MaxiSeries and CannaBoost. The A/B sometimes confuses me. Clarity on what combo of products, and sub-products, are best out of these companies (or others y'all suggest) would help me out a ton. Should I put in worm castings and perlite to the start medium? And when is the best time to start adding calmag and/or epsom salt ?

Don't get confused by fancy labels. GH three part rocks, thats my favorite, been using it for 30+ years. You use the calmag always IF using RO water. Epsom / calmag may or may not be required depending on your water and medium.

Lights -- Trying to spend around 200-250$. So, I am leaning towards 600w mh/hps.

Good for a 3x3. A 1000w SE HPS is good for a 4x4.

Additionally, if I packed my space with autos, would I fare better consistency wise than with 4 photos?

Lol, thanks for the laugh.

Medium -- Canna-Coco or fox farm?

Foxfarm won't require nutrients for the first 4 - 6 weeks or so. Might look into peat based soiless mixes if you intend to bottle feed.

 

[Ezstreet]

Im Pretty new to growing indoors but I’ve been using the spiderfarms sf2000 for my 2x2, vegs 3x4, flowers a 3x3, pulls 205 Watts from the wall. If your thinking of going led thats my suggestion

 

[Apalchen]

I might have misunderstood what you meant sorry about that I thought your whole budget was 250 dollars, but that's why I was saying used equipment. I too recommend cmh if that's the budget for your light. I'd go 4x4 an add another might after you get more money.

 

[TintEastwood]

I might have misunderstood what you meant sorry about that I thought your whole budget was 250 dollars, but that's why I was saying used equipment. I too recommend cmh if that's the budget for your light. I'd go 4x4 an add another might after you get more money.

I too thought I might be blowing his budget with cmh. After looking around I see them for less than 150, with non-philips bulb.

 

[devastating]

Thanks for the great info y’all!

Sorry for the confusion. Budget is 200-250 for lights alone. I know i’ll be spending much more throughout the process.

 

[TintEastwood]

Thanks for the great info y’all!

Sorry for the confusion. Budget is 200-250 for lights alone. I know i’ll be spending much more throughout the process.

Oh yeah. Gardening costs can add up quick.

Have you decided on Coco or ?
Many soils contain coco. For example, Coco Loco is considered soil.

Coco grow info.

Growing Cannabis in Coco Coir with High Frequency Fertigation - Coco For Cannabis

Learn how to unlock the magic of growing cannabis in coco coir with high frequency fertigation! Guide to feed and water cannabis in coco like a pro!

www.cocoforcannabis.com

 

[devastating]

Oh yeah. Gardening costs can add up quick.

Have you decided on Coco or ?

Coco info.

Growing Cannabis in Coco Coir with High Frequency Fertigation - Coco For Cannabis

Learn how to unlock the magic of growing cannabis in coco coir with high frequency fertigation! Guide to feed and water cannabis in coco like a pro!

www.cocoforcannabis.com

What do you think about something like a FF/CC 25/75 blend? With a little perlite? Unless it’s not needed. Trying to reduce my initial feed needs but interested in coco’s watering style.

 

[TintEastwood]

What do you think about something like a FF/CC 25/75 blend? With a little perlite? Unless it’s not needed. Trying to reduce my initial feed needs but interested in coco’s watering style.

Coco can be more labor intensive and less forgiving. Read up at cocoforcannabis to know what you are getting into.


I only grow in coco.
I'm a big dummy with soil.
But there are many folks here that can help you determine a good soil mix and regime.

 

[devastating]

Coco can be more labor intensive and less forgiving. Read up at cocoforcannabis to know what you are getting into.


I only grow in coco.
I'm a big dummy with soil.
But there are many folks here that can help you determine a good soil mix and regime.

Got it. Sorry, didn’t have a chance to glance at the coco thread. I should be all good to get going with either. I’ve got plenty of grows to mess up and learn from!

Also, you gotta a really good doggo there

 

[TintEastwood]

Got it. Sorry, didn’t have a chance to glance at the coco thread. I should be all good to get going with either. I’ve got plenty of grows to mess up and learn from!

Also, you gotta a really good doggo there

Best wishes on your grows.
Zoe dog was with our family 14 years.

My latest thread.

Seven Sisters

Veg.

www.rollitup.org

 

[devastating]

Best wishes on your grows.
Zoe dog was with our family 14 years.

My latest thread.

Seven Sisters

Veg.

www.rollitup.org

Cheers. I’ll do my first grow in honor of Zoe! Best way I can think of to thank you. I’ll make sure to send you some pics in a month or two.

 

[Apalchen]

Oh yeah. Gardening costs can add up quick.

Have you decided on Coco or ?
Many soils contain coco. For example, Coco Loco is considered soil.

Coco grow info.

Growing Cannabis in Coco Coir with High Frequency Fertigation - Coco For Cannabis

Learn how to unlock the magic of growing cannabis in coco coir with high frequency fertigation! Guide to feed and water cannabis in coco like a pro!

www.cocoforcannabis.com

I use coco loco mixed with coco/perilite mix. I used to just use coco loco for mothers and small veg cups. But had some around and tried this mix and it worked great for me as I find transplanting to go more smoothly. I size my pots so I only have to water once a day once roots are established. I use sensi coco from AN for nutes and only a couple additives.

I have used straight coco loco since at times too, I still prefer the mix but it works well also. I still wouldn't consider it like growing in straight soil tho as my plants do need watered daily and I've never had mothers get root bound in it, and I've kept em for a long time in small pots.

 

[RonnieB2]

Hello! Semi-newbie here.

Haven't put a single seed in the ground yet, but I spent pretty much the last 3 months stuck inside reading and writing down what I've learned. (So feel free to throw jargon at me!). I'm hoping that all the pre-work I've been doing will pay off for setting up an easy & consistent grow that doesn't have me emptying my bank for useless products.

Goals: 3-4 plants, 4x4, 200+ g's (or maybe 2-3 in a 3x3, read more below)

Here's what I'm still debating:

Seeds -- Go big or go home? Really intrigued by some of these high thc med breeders like JinxProof and Anesia seeds. Would these be bad for my first setup? Additionally, if I packed my space with autos, would I fare better consistency wise than with 4 photos?

Medium -- Canna-Coco or fox farm?

Lights -- Trying to spend around 200-250$. So, I am leaning towards 600w mh/hps. Do y'all suggest sourcing parts or just throwing for a full kit? For either answer, what is a good online source these days? I'm finding some brands like vivosun and hydrocrunch, but they seem sketchy for the consistency I'm trying to achieve.
The appeal of LEDs is there for me, but price and confusing tech is keeping me back. I am interested in diy boards (from places like alibaba) but am very put off by building heat-sink setups etc. (Unless someone knows a more simple diy process). For supplemental lighting, what are some good, relatively cheap brands?
Also had my eye on this site: https://www.growlights.ca/growlights/grow-light-kits.html

Size -- I like the roominess of a 4x4, but if it won't suit my light budget, then maybe 3x3. What're your thoughts?

Nutes/amendments -- My local store has TONS of products. Particularly interested in their GH and Heavy16 stuff. But also been looking at MaxiSeries and CannaBoost. The A/B sometimes confuses me. Clarity on what combo of products, and sub-products, are best out of these companies (or others y'all suggest) would help me out a ton. Should I put in worm castings and perlite to the start medium? And when is the best time to start adding calmag and/or epsom salt ?

Feeding schedule -- So much info out there! Any good summarised version detailing veg & flower schedules week by week? I plan to add bat guano and seaweed extract, but not sure when and how frequently.

Bottom line: I understand the general rule that mo'money=mo'weed (generally), but cheaper is better for me, not going for cup winners! More looking at consistent and easy to obtain materials.

If you read all this, thank you! If you can help me with any of these questions, thanks x10!
Let's hope my first grow isn't... devastating

If your planning a lot of nutrients be sure to keep your grow room cool enough so some of your nutrients wont ferment. 72-78 degrees is where i try to keep everything. I use some nutrients that contain a lot of sugars. So i cant let anything get too hot. Humidity and good airflow are important too. MH/HPS BULBS ARE very expensive, the good ones are and you have to replace the bulbs after each grow. I love HPS,but its more expensive in the long run,I think. The 2 best bulbs 2will cost you 100 each. Mars hydro makes great lights. Look at their reviews and pictures on Amazon, people are crazy about them. Any reputable soil will work. As long as theres no time release fertilizer in it. Dont forget adding perlite to your soil for extra drainage and o2 for your roots. Look for easy to grow auto-fem seeds for your 1st time. Theres some excellent strains available.

 

[devastating]

If your planning a lot of nutrients be sure to keep your grow room cool enough so some of your nutrients wont ferment. 72-78 degrees is where i try to keep everything. I use some nutrients that contain a lot of sugars. So i cant let anything get too hot. Humidity and good airflow are important too. MH/HPS BULBS ARE very expensive, the good ones are and you have to replace the bulbs after each grow. I love HPS,but its more expensive in the long run,I think. The 2 best bulbs 2will cost you 100 each. Mars hydro makes great lights. Look at their reviews and pictures on Amazon, people are crazy about them. Any reputable soil will work. As long as theres no time release fertilizer in it. Dont forget adding perlite to your soil for extra drainage and o2 for your roots. Look for easy to grow auto-fem seeds for your 1st time. Theres some excellent strains available.

Thinking of doing some side auto grows but you know I’m looking for those juicy photo nugs

As for the Mars Hydro, I feel like cmh would still be a better option yield and potency wise. Don’t those lights have old samsung tech? Or would just throwing down a good 300$ even the playing field against a 150-200$ cmh?